Summary of key points • This paper does not seek to describe in detail what “social responsibility” (SR) means in different countries. Instead, it demonstrates that conceptions of what constitutes a “responsible” organization or enterprise inevitably differ between and within countries, and outlines the fundamental reasons for this. • Conceptions of SR differ according to national social and economic priorities—which are themselves influenced by historical and cultural factors—and according to the different types of social actors that are demanding action on these priorities. • The terminology used to refer to social responsibility is important, having particular connotations in different locations and constituencies. •Awareness of and interest in SR vary widely between and within

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